Resurrected Life Here & Now ~ Peter’s Final Instructions

Today, in our time to hear and respond to a message from God’s Word, we conclude our journey through 1st Peter by turning to chapter five.  In 1 Peter 5, he calls church leaders to shepherd God’s people willingly and humbly and to serve as examples rather than to seek power or personal gain.  He urges those who are younger in the faith to submit to godly leadership while calling every believer to clothe themselves with humility before God and one another.  Peter encourages Christians to cast every anxiety upon the Lord because He genuinely cares for them.

However, all of these point to where Peter is heading.  As he reminds us, we have a real enemy who seeks to devour us, making spiritual vigilance and steadfast faith essential for those born again to a living hope, should they desire not to be devoured.  The dichotomy of two contrasting paths is laid out between those who desire to be spiritually devoured and those who do not.

((Audio Only))

STUDY GUIDE

1 – What is one piece of advice someone gave you that has helped you avoid a difficult situation in life?

2 – Peter describes Christians as “sojourners and exiles.” What does it mean to live as someone whose true home is not this world? How should that shape our priorities?

3 – According to Peter, what qualities should characterize mature Christian leaders? Which of these qualities stands out to you the most, and why?

4 – Peter tells all believers to “clothe yourselves with humility.” What are some practical ways we can demonstrate humility toward God and toward one another this week?

5 – Read 1 Peter 5:6–7. Why do you think humility and casting our anxieties on God are connected? What anxieties do people commonly struggle to surrender to Him?

6 – Peter reminds us that we have a real adversary, the devil, who seeks to devour us (1 Peter 5:8–9).  The sermon identified three habits that make believers vulnerable to spiritual devouring: pride, prayerlessness, and isolation from the Christian community. Which of these do you think is the greatest challenge in our culture today? Why?

7 – What is one practical step you will take this week to resist the enemy and grow in your living hope?
(Examples: developing a regular prayer rhythm, seeking accountability, humbling yourself before God, mentoring someone, or reconnecting with your church family.)

Scripture References

1 Peter 1:3
1 Peter 1:1
1 Peter 2:11
John 17:14-19
1 Peter 4:7
1 Peter 5:1-11
1 Peter 4:19
John 3:30
2 Timothy 2:13
Romans 16:20